2008
LEXUS NEW VEHICLE MODEL GUIDE
 Lexus,
the elite upshot brand from Toyota of
Japan, promotes luxurious high-performance
machines casted as elegant sedans, sporty
coupes and rugged, yet refined, sport
utility wagons. For 2008, Lexus rolls
out the world's first super-luxury, hybrid
sedan with lavish over-the-top comforts
and space, plus a gas-electric powertrain.
Labeled LS 600h L, the hybrid electric
vehicle (HEV)is a high-tech hybrid variation
of the stretched LS 460 L super-luxury
sedan. Lexus also shows a new generational
design for its full-size Lexus SUV the
LX 570, in addition to its souped-up performance
IS-F sedan.
 LS
Series
The full-size Lexus flagship bears the
badge of LS 460 in recognition of its
4.6-liter V8 engine, which produces 380
horsepower and mates to an automatic transmission
with eight speeds. Additionally, the Lexus
offers a long-wheelbase version riding
on a 121.7-inch wheelbase platform, offering
limousine comfort for rear seat passengers.
The stretched LS 460L offers reclining
rear seats with retracting footrests,
along with individual DVD-based video
screens. For preventive safety, the options
include a Pre-Collision System packaged
with Emergency Steering Assist and Lane-Keeping
Assist. The LS Series latest paint shade
is Opaline Pearl.
 LS
Hybrid
The new LS 600h L HEV is the most complex,
sophisticated and luxurious automobile
available. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)
controls all the energy produced by gas/electric
engines and applies it to all wheels through
an electronically controlled continuously
variable transmission (ECVT). There's
a 389-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 gas-powered
engine with three high-voltage electric
motors. Safety gear includes vehicle stability
control (VSC), electronic traction control
(ETC), and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated
Management system (VDIM). A camera on
the steering column can monitors the driver's
face, figuring out if you are nodding
off or not watching the road.
 ES
Series
The elegant ES mid-size sedan from Lexus
is the company's only sedan in front-wheel-drive
(FWD) format. Its name — ES 350 —
reflects the engine displacement from
a 3.5-liter aluminum V6, which climbs
to 272 horsepower through a six-speed
automatic transaxle. The ES body styling
is sleek, with a low-sloping hood crowned
by oversized projector-beam headlamp clusters
and a severely raked windshield leading
to an arching canopy over the cabin. The
luxurious five-place compartment is trimmed
in fine fabrics or soft leather hides,
glossy walnut hardwoods and gleaming metals.
 GS
Series
The GS Series offers two high-performance
rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan stuffed
with high-tech mechanical hardware divide
into editions based on engine size. The
GS 430 gets a 4.3-liter V8 with VVT-i
(variable valve timing with intelligence)
to make 290 horsepower, while the GS 350
totes a robust direct-injection 3.5-liter
V6 with VVT-i for 303 horsepower. The
V8 uses an eight-speed automatic with
sequential manual shifter. Additionally,
the GS 350 adds optional all-wheel-drive
(AWD) traction for Snow Belt states. An
adaptive variable suspension is also board
with more computerized controls than many
other production cars. Fresh styling on
the GS prow brings a new grille ringed
in chrome.
 GS
Hybrid
Lexus steers the Hybrid Synergy Drive
(HSD) concept into the GS 450h sports
sedan. It's a hybrid (gas/electric powertrain)
high-performance sports sedan, and a quick
Lexus — capable of running from a
stand-still start to 60 mph in only 5.2
seconds. The GS 450h promises fuel economy
marks as frugal as any small four-cylinder
engine. However, the sum of this car's
gas-powered V6 engine and on-board electric
motors tallies over 330 horsepower. This
one's strictly high-tech in equipment
while utterly luxurious.
 SC
Series
The two-seat sports car from Lexus converts
from hardtop coupe to daring convertible
with push-button ease. With the roof raised,
the SC 430 carries an arching profile
that looks energetic up front, yet retro
in the rear with a roly-poly rump. With
the hardtop in the trunk, the SC seems
fluid and fast like a racy roadster. A
six-speed, sequential-shift automatic
links to the aluminum 4.3-liter V8, which
nets 288 horsepower. Lexus lines the sports
car with gear for safety and performance,
as well as electronic displays and lavish
appointments. A new Pebble Beach edition
wears Smoky Granite Mica paint.
 IS
Series
These compact-class sports sedans resemble
high-strung rally cars while acting like
road-hugging touring sedans. The models
offer V6 engines. A 2.5-liter V6 netting
204 horsepower and options for RWD or
AWD traction drops into the IS 250. The
3.5-liter V6 goes to the IS 350 for 306
horsepower. The IS 250 brings a six-speed
manual transmission or optional six-speed
sequential-shift automatic with paddle-shifters.
VSC applies to the IS 250, while the IS
350 scores VDIM equipment. An optional
X Package adds a sport suspension, sport
pedals, illuminated scuff plates and a
lip spoiler.
 IS-F
Series
Lexus is building a new, high-performance
sport sedan off its IS compact-class platform,
creating the most powerful engine ever
for Lexus. The 2008 IS-F stocks a 5.0-liter
direct injection V8 rated at over 400
horsepower with huge torque. The plant
works with the world's first eight-speed,
direct sport-shift transmission (DST)
with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Expect zero-to-60 times below the 5-second
mark. The vehicle rides an one inch lower
than conventional IS sedans, and stocks
cross-drilled front disc brakes and 19-inch,
forged aluminum alloy wheels.
 LX
Series
The full-size Lexus SUV gets a generational
upgrade for 2008, with a big boost in
power and a high-tech, electro-hydraulic
suspension. The engine, which comes from
Toyota's Tundra pickup, is a 5.7-liter
V8 with 381 horsepower — a 100-horsepower
boost. The plant ties to a new six-speed
automatic transmission with sequential
shift and uses a full-time 4WD traction.
Towing capacity reaches to 8,500 pounds.
The luxurious cabin has three rows of
seats, four zones for climate controls
and an optional cool box to chill beverages.
 GX
Series
A mid-size Lexus SUV also packs a big
V8 worth 263 horsepower through a five-speed
automatic. The leather-lined cabin provides
three tiers of seats for up to seven.
A permanently-engaged 4WD system on the
GS 470 includes a center differential
with limited-slip capacity. Lexus innovations
add active traction control (ATC), adaptable
variable suspension (AVS) and downhill
assist control (DAC). Options encompass
a Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat
video entertainment kit, while the Sport
edition brings smoked, bezel headlamps,
a dark graphite finish for its 17-inch
alloy wheels and a variable suspension
labeled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
(KDSS).
 RX
Series
Lexus' crossover SUV rises from the FWD
platform of a car. It provides a luxurious,
five-seat passenger compartment and a
rear cargo bay. Many safety systems are
in place including curtain-style air bags
tucked above the front and rear side windows.
The cabin piles on premium gear like power
seats, mirrors and windows. The RX 350
gains the 3.5-liter VVT-i Lexus V6 for
270 horsepower through an electronic automatic
transaxle. Options include leather upholstery,
a navigation system with Bluetooth and
voice activation, Mark Levinson DVD audio
and backseat video system. The RX's latest
paint shade is Desert Sage Metallic.
 RX
Hybrid
The hybrid SUV has the zip of a V8, with
miserly fuel economy. Its HSD powertrain
teams a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with two
electric motors — one to turn the
front wheels and another working accessories
and recharging batteries. Output for the
RX Hybrid reaches 268 horsepower. The
HSD controls all the energy produced by
these plants and applies it through an
ECVT. For optional AWD, a third electric
motor drives rear wheels as the HSD varies
torque front and rear depending on traction
conditions. Premium and Premium Plus Packages
are available for the RX Hybrid, which
include a new Black Bird's-Eye Maple wood
trim.
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